Tin coordination compounds: Classification and analysis of crystallographic and structural data

Abstract

This review covers over five hundred and seventy coordination compounds of tin, of which about two thirds contain tin in its +4 oxidation state. Almost two hundred of the remainder are divalent tin compounds of which there are three ditin(+6) cations. The balance is made up of three mixed valence compounds, and several anionic clusters. The Sn(IV) derivatives are predominantly pseudo octahedral monomers. The Sn(II) derivatives have a more varied geometry because of the sterochemical influence of the lone pair of electrons. In all cases the most common ligand donor atoms are nitrogen and oxygen. Examples of distortion, geometric and coordination isomerism are observed, with the first type being most common. The extent of metal-metal bonding and factors affecting bond lengths and bond angles are discussed. Correlations between tin valence, donor atom radius and ligand size and type are discussed.